English Translation

Abu 'Amir told us: Zuhayr ibn Muhammad told us, from Yazid ibn Yazid - meaning Ibn Jabir - from Khalid ibn al-Lajlaj, from 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'A'ish, from one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came out to them one morning cheerful in spirit and radiant of face. We said, "O Messenger of Allah, we see you cheerful in spirit and radiant of face." He said: "What should prevent me? My Lord, Mighty and Sublime, came to me tonight in the most beautiful form and said, 'O Muhammad.' I said, 'Here I am, my Lord, at Your service and pleasure.' He said, 'What do the exalted assembly dispute about?' I said, 'I do not know, my Lord.' He said this two or three times. Then He placed His palms between my shoulders, and I felt their coolness between my breasts, until what is in the heavens and what is in the earth was made clear to me. Then he recited this verse: {And thus We showed Ibrahim the dominion of the heavens and the earth, that he might be among those of sure faith}. Then He said, 'O Muhammad, what do the exalted assembly dispute about?' I said, 'About the expiations.' He said, 'And what are the expiations?' I said, 'Walking on foot to the congregational prayers, sitting in the mosque after the prayers, and performing ablution thoroughly in difficult circumstances.' He said, 'Whoever does that will live well and die well, and will be free of sin as on the day his mother bore him.' And among the elevated ranks are: gentle speech, spreading the greeting of peace, feeding others, and praying at night while people are asleep.' He said, 'O Muhammad, when you pray, say: O Allah, I ask You for good things, and to leave reprehensible things, and love of the poor, and that You turn to me in mercy; and if You intend a trial among the people, then take me to You without being tried.'"